What's Happening?
The Chicago Cubs are set to host the San Diego Padres in the 2025 MLB Wild Card Series, beginning Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. This best-of-three series will determine which team advances to face the Milwaukee Brewers, the National League's top seed. Both teams secured their wild card positions by finishing second in their respective divisions, the NL Central for the Cubs and the NL West for the Padres. The Cubs are making their first postseason appearance since 2020 and their first in a full 162-game season since 2018. They have not won a playoff series since 2017. The Padres, on the other hand, are entering their fourth postseason in six years, having previously reached the playoffs only five times in their first 50 seasons.
Why It's Important?
This series is significant for both teams as it represents a chance to advance further in the playoffs and potentially compete for the World Series. For the Cubs, a strong postseason performance could boost the value of outfielder Kyle Tucker, who will become a free agent in the offseason. The Cubs have been strong offensively, ranking fourth in runs scored per game, and defensively, allowing the eighth-fewest runs. The Padres, known for their strong bullpen, will rely on their pitching depth to secure victories. The outcome of this series could impact player contracts, team strategies, and fan engagement for both franchises.
What's Next?
The winner of the Cubs vs. Padres series will advance to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the next round of the playoffs. The Cubs will need to overcome the absence of rookie Cade Horton, who is out with a rib injury, while the Padres will focus on leveraging their bullpen strength. Both teams will aim to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses as they vie for a spot in the National League Division Series.
